Wittman Advocates for Community Project Funding for Henrico County
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) highlighted the inclusion of a $2,640,000 funding request for Henrico County’s Staples Mill Road Sidewalk Improvements project through Community Project Funding (CPF) in the Fiscal Year 2027 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Act. This measure has been approved by the House Appropriations Committee and awaits passage on the House Floor.
During the August district work period, Congressman Wittman traveled across the district to meet with local leaders and discuss his efforts in Washington to secure federal investments for Virginia's First District.
“Keeping pedestrians safe and ensuring our communities have accessible walkways is critical for students, residents, and visitors in Henrico,” said Rep. Wittman. “This funding would help close critical gaps in the sidewalk network along Staples Mill Road. I am proud to advocate for this project to improve public safety and strengthen Henrico’s transportation infrastructure.”
“Henrico County and its residents are grateful for Congressman Wittman’s responsiveness and commitment to enhancing pedestrian safety. The Staples Mill Road corridor is well-suited for more sidewalks and signalized crossings because it serves a high school and a library, as well as several places of worship, businesses, retirement communities and neighborhoods. With his understanding of Virginia’s needs and his advocacy in Washington, Congressman Wittman is a trusted partner for creating safer communities for everyone.” The Honorable Dan Schmitt, Brookland District Supervisor, Henrico County
The funding would be used to construct and connect missing sidewalk infrastructure along Staples Mill Road, improving pedestrian safety and accessibility for students, residents, and visitors. Currently, this corridor lacks continuous pedestrian accommodations, forcing individuals—including students traveling to Glen Allen High School and patrons of the Glen Allen–Henrico County Public Library—to walk along or across a high-volume arterial roadway. The Virginia Department of Transportation has identified this segment as among the highest-risk corridors in the state for pedestrian safety, with a history of accident-related injuries exceeding statewide averages for similar roadways. This project is a critically necessary federal investment that will address these safety risks, enhance mobility for individuals of all ages and abilities, and strengthen connectivity between key community assets, improving overall quality of life and public safety.
Community Project Funding (CPF) allows Members of Congress to bring tax dollars back home for district-specific priorities. Members have firsthand knowledge of their district’s needs and can prioritize federal funding for the most critical local projects. For Congressman Wittman, these projects address clear and present needs in communities across Virginia and enjoy broad community support. The federal dollars designated for CPF projects exist within existing budget limits. Community Project Funding gives Congressman Wittman the ability to empower Virginians by ensuring they have a critical voice in directing their federal tax dollars back into VA-01 communities.